The Next Hachiko

Hachiko - a fiercely loyal dog in Japan which continued to wait for its owner every single day for 10 years since his owner passed away (and until it eventually passed on too).

We have here a touching story of another wonderfully loyal canine.

Tommy, a 7-year-old German shepherd, used to accompany his owner, Maria Margherita Lochi, to services at Santa Maria Assunta church in San Donaci, Italy, according to the Daily Mail, and was allowed to sit at her feet.

After Lochi died, the dog "joined mourners at her funeral service" according to locals and "followed after Maria's coffin" as it was carried into the church. After that, Tommy continued to attend mass alone, silently. Like everyone at mass, Tommy respected the process and has never once barked. Tommy is a stray who was adopted by Lochi, has been showing up "when the bell rings out to mark the beginning of services" ever since.

Who has the heart to throw such a loving dog out? Accordingly to Father Donato Panna, none of the other parishioners has complained so the just left him there until Mass finished before they let him out.

Such story of canine loyalty is extremely common. For those of you who has dogs, hope yours will be another great story to be told.

Big and I have been looking to adopt a dog for awhile but not a suitable one came along. If there is, the fosterers or the owners tend to want to keep the dog in the end. For adopters, one should be sure they are ready for the commitment and responsibilty. Likewise for the owners, when one decides to let their dogs have a better home, be ready to let go.